Preventing Rust at Door Seams on 2003 Dodge Grand Caravan ...

[M100C]

All,
I had a 1997 Plymouth Grand Voyager, and it was a great vehicle except for
rust setting in where the outer door skin seams over the inner door panel;
these seams were not well sealed. In looking at my 2003, it looks just as
vulnerable, and I would like to do something about it.

The van is white, so I could get some white silicone sealer and clean, dry
and seal the joint. Has anyone found a better technique? Any other areas
to pay close attention to?

Chris

 

[jdoe]

Shoot oil in everything. It's the best thing you can do. I use a spray
product made by Mystic that I buy at Farm & Fleet. It's a clear grease that
sprays out as a thin liquid and "dries" to a "light grease". I do it it all
the seams gate, doors etc. When I got rid of my 93 the only rust on it was
in the frame. Otherwise many years and over 200000 miles and the body was
spotless.
Larry

 

[Geoff]

Shoot oil in everything. It's the best thing you can do. I use a spray
product made by Mystic that I buy at Farm & Fleet. It's a clear grease that
sprays out as a thin liquid and "dries" to a "light grease". I do it it all
the seams gate, doors etc. When I got rid of my 93 the only rust on it was
in the frame. Otherwise many years and over 200000 miles and the body was
spotless.

That's an interesting idea. I wonder if the light lubricant in WD-40 would
work just as well? Anyone?

--Geoff

 

[Richard]

Better suggestion. Go to your local body shop supply store and pick up a
spray can of 3M's anti-rust. It is a nearly clear wax type materal
chemically formulated to stay in place and prevent rust. I have had
excellent results with this professional product.

Richard.

 

[jdoe]

WD 40 won't do it. It will displace moisture in the seams but follow up is
needed. I got the trick from a body shop owner and it works VERY well.
Larry

 

[mic canic]

silicone is made from a compound that has acid in it and if it permeates metal
it causes it to rust faster and if it caught by dealer the warranty could be
voided it even outlines rustproofing added that can void your warranty

 

[Richard]

WD-40 is worthless for *everything*. It's a rotten water disperser,
totally ineffective as a lubricant and laughable as a penetrant.

It even smells bad.

Richard.